Hate the Bigotry, Love the Person.

I think I have some insight into the bigotted actions of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), now.

I’m Facebook friends with more Mormons than any lesbian normally is, as my wife’s family are about half Mormon. I’ve attended their wedding receptions and family reunions, played with their babies, last year I even played King Herod in their nativity play on Christmas eve. (I didn’t know when I accepted the role he was the Pagan baby killer character, which I was appalled by but didn’t raise a fuss about at all.) I’ve given gifts at countless Mormon weddings, and supported their ceremonies and rites of passage. At my most recent Mormon niece’s wedding reception, I organized the punch and kept it full, helped decorate tables and made sure people arriving felt welcome. I am a great aunt (and actually, a great-aunt).

So imagine my hurt and disappointment when another one of my neices, who I really like and who has always been friendly, chose on facebook to raise money to take away my civil rights. (more…)